The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 06:31 PM

Geraldo Rivera SLAMS Fake News Over President Trump's, First Lady Melania Visit To Puerto Rico To Survey Hurricane Damage

Geraldo Rivera said the people of Puerto Rico were very happy that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited to survey the Hurricane Maria recovery efforts, despite the assertions of some in the media.

"I think the president and the first lady were amazingly gracious and graciously received by the grateful Puerto Rican people," Geraldo said on "Fox & Friends" this morning.

He said any account that portrays the trip differently is "fake news," pointing to New York Times columnist Paul Krugman's false claim that there was a cholera outbreak in Puerto Rico.

Geraldo also noted that Time Magazine mischaracterized Trump's comments about Hurricanes Maria and Katrina. Reporter Alana Abramson seemingly accused the president of downplaying the catastrophe and loss of life in Puerto Rico.

Geraldo said Trump was only pointing out that Maria - a much more powerful storm - had a death toll of 16, compared to approximately 1,800 from Katrina.

He said he understands why the president is often frustrated with the mainstream media.